The Stars Above Northumberland

I think the main reason I disliked this book was because of how much rambling there was in the first half. Meri has dealt with severe domestic abuse and has now been suddenly widowed, leaving her with an unexpected inheritance and greedy, controlling in-laws. This much is interesting–what isn't, is the pages and pages in which she thinks and thinks and remembers and rehashes. Very rarely do I find a book with this sheer number of unnecessary words, and I read vintage stuff all the time.

At 50%, though, Drama entered. Wow. Everything we know about the family gets overturned and Drama takes the stage. Drama that's not just page-noise: it's a family earthquake. Drama that isn't really even dealt with at the end of the book, making me wonder if there's a sequel in the works.

I would have enjoyed a bit more focused narrative and a bit more historical detail (as it was, I kept thinking at different times that I was anywhere from pre-Regency to mid-Victorian in time period.) I liked the splashes of suspense at the end and I loved the scenes where Meri learned to bond with her children. And that cover is exquisite!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free copy to read. A favorable review was not required.